The Hon'ble Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh, delivered the welcome address at the Inaugural Session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in the historic Central Hall of Parliament of India in New Delhi on October 26, 2026. The event was attended by Hon'ble Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairperson of the Forum Shri Om Birla, presiding officers, heads of delegations from BRICS member and partner countries, and distinguished delegates.
Shri Harivansh highlighted that BRICS represents approximately 49.5% of the global population and has evolved into an effective multilateral platform for consultation and cooperation on issues of global and regional significance. He noted that during India's 2026 BRICS Presidency under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the bloc adopted a transformative vision of 'People-Centric' and 'Humanity First' approach, with the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
The inaugural session focused on the theme 'Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development', which Shri Harivansh described as both timely and relevant. He emphasized that citizens worldwide expect parliaments to respond effectively to emerging challenges including economic uncertainties, technological transformation, climate change, public health emergencies, and social inequalities. The forum discussions aimed to provide opportunities for exchanging experiences and identifying parliamentary approaches that meaningfully contribute to improving people's lives.
India's BRICS presidency culminated in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, which advanced global governance reforms and fostered a more balanced, multipolar world order. Prime Minister Modi championed the expansion of the bloc, strengthening the voice and trust of the Global South. The Deputy Chairman expressed confidence that delegates would carry back warm and lasting impressions of India's rich diversity of cultures, languages, landscapes, customs, and traditions.